A $10-million solution to reduce flood risk in Uxbridge

Environmental assessment complete

A $10-million solution to reduce flood risk in Uxbridge

Celia Klemenz / Metroland

UXBRIDGE -- The Uxbridge Brook culvert at the south end as seen from Centennial Park. An environmental study report has been completed with a preferred solution for flood risk reduction in the downtown of Uxbridge. The design is to replace the existing culvert with two parallel culverts spanning 15 metres. November 28, 2012

UXBRIDGE -- An environmental assessment has officially been completed and a $10-million solution to reduce flood risk in the Uxbridge downtown core has been identified.

In 1954, Hurricane Hazel crashed through the area, leaving her mark of devastation. If a similar storm should occur with the current Brock Street culvert, the town of Uxbridge could be recovering for years, officials say. The main concern and possible cause of major flooding is the Brock Street culvert, which stretches more than 200 metres and carries the Uxbridge Brook north through the downtown. According to various studies, the culvert is deficient and could cause a bottleneck during a severe storm.

But after years of planning and research, the Township of Uxbridge and the Region of Durham believe they have found an appropriate solution.

The recommended design is to replace the existing culvert with two new culverts having a total span of 15 metres and opening approximately 60 metres of the Uxbridge Brook north of Brock Street.

The west culvert would be 135 metres long with an open bottom to enable fish passage. The culvert will end approximately 40 metres north of Brock Street, leading into an open channel that could be close to 20 feet deep, running north and south. The east culvert would be 195 metres long with a concrete bottom and would only function during a large storm.

A building at 30 and 32 Brock St., which is not Township owned, would have to be demolished.

A full environmental study report is available for public review and comment from Nov. 15 to Dec. 17. Copies of the report are available at the Uxbridge Public Library, 9 Toronto St., the Township Office, 51 Toronto St. and the Region of Durham clerk's office, 605 Rossland Rd., Whitby.

All questions and concerns should be directed to Ben Kester, director of public works at 905-852-9181 EXT. 215 or e-mail bkester@town.uxbridge.on.ca.

If no new or outstanding concerns are brought forward during the review period, the Township and Region may proceed with the design. According to Mr. Kester, no plans for construction are currently in place.